Are You Facing Shoplifting Charges?

Consult with a Arlington Heights Theft Crime Attorney

You may be tempted to think that shoplifting is a minor offense, but the
truth is that this is a theft crime that can be prosecuted very harshly.
Not only are you facing fines, potential jail time, and a mark on your
record, but you could also be sued by the merchant for property losses.
If you have been accused of shoplifting, it's crucial for you to get an
experienced Arlington Heights
theft crime attorney on your side who can build an effective defense to help reduce
or even dismiss your charges.

At Ahmad Law Firm, our team of professionals provide unique and result-driven
defense strategies that are tailored to your particular case. With 24/7
availability, we are fully committed to providing the highest caliber
of legal advocacy at all times for our clients. We can thoroughly examine
and analyze the accusations made against you to determine the best possible
defense plan.

What penalties could I be facing?

In Illinois, shoplifting is defined as intentionally taking away, depriving,
or switching merchandise, as well as tampering with price tags. You may
also be charged for knowingly buying or selling shoplifted goods. It is
important to note that shoplifting crimes are punishable under
criminal and civil penalties, which means you could be facing serious repercussions.
Your sentencing will depend on a number of circumstances, such as the
worth of the item taken, whether you have any previous offenses, and how
the merchant chooses to respond.

For example, you may face the following penalties for:

Shoplifting less than $300 worth of property: Class A misdemeanor carrying up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year in jail.

Shoplifting $300+ worth of property: Class 3 felony carrying up to $25,000 in fines and between two to five
years in jail.

You could also face civil liability for the retail value of the shoplifted
item, as well as the attorney fees and court costs for the merchant. They
may be able to pursue between $100 and $1,000 in compensation for damages.

Building a Strong Defense in Your Behalf

Shoplifting can be a difficult crime to pinpoint, which means many individuals
are often wrongly accused of this offense. Others may simply be caught
in the middle of a poor decision, one that should not plague them for
the rest of their lives. Our Arlington Heights shoplifting attorney can
review your case to determine how to best clear your name and defend your
future. Whether that means negotiating a plea bargain, challenging evidence,
or pursuing pretrial diversion program, we work to achieve the best possible
option for our clients.

At Ahmad Law Firm, we are compassionate about protecting our client's rights
and fighting for favorable legal outcomes. Our founding attorney is a
former prosecutor, giving him inside knowledge and in-depth experience
on how the legal system works and the prosecution handles cases like yours.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.